The so-called "419" scam is a type of fraud dominated by criminals from Nigeria and other countries in Africa. Victims of the scam are promised a large amount of money, such as a lottery prize, inheritance, money sitting in some bank account, etc.

Victims never receive this non-existent fortune but are tricked into sending their money to the criminals, who remain anonymous. They hide their real identity and location by using fake names and fake postal addresses as well as communicating via anonymous free email accounts and mobile phones.

Keep in mind that scammers DO NOT use their real names when defrauding people.
The criminals either abuse names of real people or companies or invent names or addresses.
Any real people or companies mentioned below have NO CONNECTION to the scammers!

An email address listed inside this email has been used in a known fraud before.

The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:

"dear friend" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)

"hundred thousand us dollars" (they want you to be blinded by the prospect of quick money, but the only money that ever changes hands in 419 scams is from you to the criminals)

",500,000" (they want you to be blinded by the prospect of quick money, but the only money that ever changes hands in 419 scams is from you to the criminals)

"00,000.00" (they want you to be blinded by the prospect of quick money, but the only money that ever changes hands in 419 scams is from you to the criminals)

This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.

This email lists free webmail addresses. Use of such addresses is typical for scams. Lotteries, banks and any but the smallest of companies do not normally use such addresses. Criminals use them to anonymously send and receive email at Internet cafes.

hafordwood03@gmail.com (email address has been used in a known fraud before)

- Dear Friend, I am Mr Haford Wood, Director of Operations and Head Wealth Management Division of Barclys Bank Of London United Kingdom . In our current performance of Annual Account Audit, our auditors found withinour performance of Annual Account Audit, our auditors found within our registered name or next of kin associated with its record.As the man in the helm of affairs, these files were sent to my office for endorsement so that the deposits are transferred to the British Government Treasury and Reserve Accounts as unclaimed deposits. I did endorsed all but leaving one behind which I am very much familiar with; I indicated that the one I left has a next of kin/beneficiary associated with it but in the real sense, it has no beneficiary and this account is worth $10,500,000.00 (Ten Million Five Hundred Thousand US Dollars).A private investigation was plunged and supervised by me; the result was that the account owner had died. Further investigation for the next of kin to the account owner proved negative as both the depositor and family were killed in a bomb blast that hit their home in Iraq.Being in the helm of affairs, I have the power and expertise to have these funds moved but there has to be a recipient who must be a foreigner. I therefore seek your consent to collaborate with me by letting me document you (through an attorney) as the next of kin/beneficiary in position to receive the $10.5M USD, then you and I will share the money. Should you be interested in working with me on this, do indicate your interest by sending me your full names, phone number and current residential address. I would prefer you reach me via my personal email address:Email:hafordwood03@gmail.com Once I hear from you, I immediately will provide you with further information on logistics of having these funds moved.Sincerely,Mr.Haford Wood